How Burglar Alarms Work

No Shortage of Home Alarm Choices

Home burglar alarms are standard equipment used every day in countless private residences, public stores and more. There’s nothing standard about the alarms market, though. The market is brimming with hundreds of types of burglar alarms, ranging from DIY models to complex, whole-house alarms that require professional installation and maintenance. But all these alarms share a wide range of basic design principles.

Understanding Circuit Alarms

The most basic burglar alarms are simple electrical circuits where electricity flows between two points, one positive and one negative. In a closed-circuit alarm system, of which there are several types, the circuit is closed and thus operational as long as the door or window is shut. If someone opens the door or window, the circuit opens and electricity stops flowing. As a result, an alarm is triggered.

An open-circuit system functions similarly but in reverse, with the alarm being triggered when the circuit closes. Closed-circuit alarms tend to more effective, though. Electricity is already flowing, so if it stops flowing, an alarm is triggered. With an open-circuit alarm, burglars can simply cut some wires and thus disable the alarm.

Understanding Motion Detection Alarms

Circuit alarms only guard entryways. If a burglar manages to make it into your home, you need a motion detection alarm. There are several types of this alarm as well. One is a radar-based motion detector that radiates radio energy or sound waves and then waits for the energy or waves to be reflected back to it. If there is interference in the reflection, an alarm is triggered. Another type of motion detection alarm is the photo-sensor alarm. It works in a similar fashion, but it uses laser lights. If the path of the beam is blocked for any reason, an alarm is triggered.

More Than One Way to Catch a Thief

When you think of alarms, you’re likely to think of loud sirens. The truth is that most alarm systems employ other means of deterrence. There are several types of alarms, and most systems incorporate at least one of them. One type is the telephone auto-dialer. When the alarm is triggered, the phone dials the police and plays a recorded message that provides your precise location to the authorities.

Another type incorporates flashing outdoor lights. These immediately alert anybody nearby that a burglary is occurring, and they often scare the burglar away. Keep in mind that new alarms are constantly being developed. In fact, many companies have already started implementing broadband- and cellular-based systems that use Internet and cell-phone technologies to more quickly alert authorities.

Different Technologies, Same Goal

Burglar alarms’ functionality can be confusing, but they all serve the same purpose: protecting you, your loved ones and your belongings from burglars and anyone else who would invade your home. Some burglar alarms protect the perimeter of your home, others monitor your driveway and still others take care of informing the authorities. The best alarm systems use all these types of alarms as well as other features to offer you the best protection possible. We hope you now have a better understanding of how burglar alarms work so you can choose from the best home alarm systems.